I have never heard or seen a gun rights supporter quote the entire Second Amendment. They do not mention or define the "well-regulated Militia." They do not recognize that "the security of a free State" includes more than their own property. It also includes reducing mass shootings at schools, concerts, and movies.

I do agree with Albright that what does seem concrete to gun supporters is the visceral and psychological kick that shooting gives them. I pray that I never adore the mystique of shooting guns so much that I forget that guns are lethal weapons, and that thousands are killed by guns every year by murder, suicide, and accidents.

Albright states, “there just aren't that many Delawareans who have a personal reason to support a ban.” My personal reason is that my youngest brother and four of his friends were shot and killed by a man who owned his semi-automatic weapon legally.

If we don’t pass an assault weapons ban, eventually there will be enough people like me who have a personal reason to support a ban, who have experienced the death of a loved one to gun violence, that we will outnumber those who are in thrall to guns. Sadly, thousands more will have to die for us to get there.

—Kristin Froehlich, Wilmington

Bicyclists should stay off some roads

There ought to be a law against bicyclists riding on two-lane, winding, curvy and hilly country road without a bike path. I had to follow six cyclists in my car for 4.5 miles going no more than 10 mph up the hill and 15-20 mph down the hill.

No chance to pass and no courtesy pull off to let me pass. Plus, they turned right on a red light without stopping.

—Gene Mirolli, Wilmington

Newark police should have more restraint after dog killings

In my visits to the Wawa on Ogletown road in Newark, I have seen a lot of aggressive and dangerous-looking people in and around the Hudson State Service Center, but it never crossed my mind to run them over or shoot them.

Accumulating research shows that cruelty to animals is correlated with domestic violence, elder abuse, and child maltreatment. Witnessing animal abuse affects the age of onset for committing animal abuse and contributes to an inter-generational continuity of violence. Children who witness animal abuse may become desensitized to other forms of violence.

Research also reveals a relationship between rates of stray animal intake at shelters and neighborhood stability. Companion animals are catalysts that facilitate social interaction and foster a sense of community. Yet the presence of neglected, abused, and aggressive animals may produce the opposite effect.

Animal services in Delaware were fragmented prior to 2013, but with the establishment of Delaware's Office of Animal Welfare and partnerships with area animal shelters and community groups, we may be seeing the commensurate affects of coordinated and improved treatment of animals on Wilmington's crime problem. Addressing "root social and economic drivers of crime" must include collaborations which improve the quality of life for human and nonhuman animals.

—Lee Streetman, Middletown

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